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News

Revolutionary Public Transport Fares for Young People

Following hot on the heels of the launch of Wilts and Dorset Buses’ new fleet of buses and timetables is a new cheaper fares scheme for young people. After years of expensive adult fares, young people are now able to purchase child prices on the buses due to two new schemes.

BusID is a free card issued to young people between the ages of five and 15, offering half price fares after 9am and 50p fares to and from certain areas after 6pm. The BusID+ card is for young people aged 16 to 18, and offers the same benefits with a charge of £20, lasting until the August after the cardholder’s 18^th birthday and the end of their sixth form education.

The new fares are an example of the positive effects young people and organisations in Poole achieve when working together. The scheme came about through Poole Partnership meetings and annual Youth Conferences, when young people complained about being charged adult fares. The 2001 Poole Partnership Consultation exercise asked young people what they would change in Poole and several people, like 16-year-old Karla Collins, said: ‘the fact you have to pay adult fare on the buses when you’re 14-17, when the law says you’re still classed as a child’. The Question Panels of the Youth Conferences saw similar questions asked year after year: "Could you not provide a cheaper service for students? Often we don’t have the time to work and study; student life is difficult with such an expensive service."

The release of these schemes is a landmark in the history of young peoples issues, Youth PR Co-ordinator Lucy Moseley said: "The new Wilts and Dorset schemes are cheap, inclusive, and a positive side of Poole’s development. Young people should be really proud that their perseverance with this issue has paid off."

Chris Harris, Marketing Officer for Wilts and Dorset Buses, said: "The company is delighted to be able to make travel easier and more affordable for young people and hopes that the scheme will encourage them to use buses more."

Rachael Mills, Media Relations Manager, Communications and Tourism Services, Borough of Poole, tel 01202 633295